AfricaLink
News, Analysis and Service from Germany and Europe - in 30 Languages
Why do many Africans neglect writing a will?
A staggering 85% of South Africans die without a will, a reality mirrored across much of Africa. In a continent where traditions and modernity collide, how can Africans secure their legacies? Join Eddy Micah Jr. as he delves into this pressing issue with legal expert Kananelo Mukenge, DW correspondent Nontokozo…
AfD election win: Should Africans in Germany be worried?
Many immigrants to Germany are worried about the rise of the anti-immigrant AfD party, which recently won the state election in Thuringia. This is the first far-right victory in Germany since World War II. Should Africans in Thuringia be concerned? Eddy Micah Jr. discusses with experts Elizabeth Horleman, Jakkie Cilliers…
Why is fake medicine common in Africa?
Substandard or fake medicines in Africa are a critical public health concern, potentially leading to preventable deaths. The UN estimates 500,000 annual deaths in sub-Saharan Africa are due to substandard medication. Cai Nebe talks to Claudia Martinez from the Access to Medicine Foundation and DW correspondent Isaac Kaledzi in Ghana.
Is SADC doing enough to help drought-stricken people?
Severe El Nino-induced drought has left round 68 million people within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in need of assistance. Malnutrition is hitting hard in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Sara Mbago-Bhunu of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Joel Degue, a climate expert,…
Anglophone Cameroon crisis: The dilemma facing taxi drivers
Taxi drivers in Cameroon's English-speaking regions are in a dangerous predicament: Separatists are demanding that they repaint their yellow vehicles lue and white — the colors of the separatists fighting the Yaounde government since 2017. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Agbor Balla, founder of the Centre for Human Rights and…
Whistleblowers risk enforced disappearances in Africa
Africa's whistleblowers often become victims of enforced disappearances, imprisonment, and sometimes death for exposing the continent's darkest secrets. Josey Mahachi talks to Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and DW's Mimi Mefo. Also, George Okachi talks to Samuel Kimeu, Executive Director of Africa's Voices Foundation (AVF), and Mathias Shipeta of…
How did Kenya's 'serial killer' escape from custody?
Collins Jumaisi Khalusha was awaiting trial after he confessed to killing 42 women. One senior law enforcement called him "a vampire" and "a psychopath". Khalusha broke out with 12 other prisoners and went on the run. How is escape by such a high-profile suspect possible? Eddy Micah Jr talks to…
Can Africa push through UN Security Council?
The only significant reforms occurred in 1965, when the number of non-permanent members was increased from six to 10. Sierra Leone, holding the UNSC presidency for August 2024, has called out Africa's historic under-represenation at the top UN decision-making body. Eddy Micah talks to Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone's Information and…
Hepatitis B emerges as Uganda's 'silent killer'
Uganda is facing a hidden epidemic. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1,250 Ugandans died of Hepatitis B, and around 6% of Uganda’s population remains chronically infected. Josey Mahachi talks to Lutamaguzi Emmanuel, Executive Director, Hepatitis Aid Organization based in Kampala and DW's Frank Yiga to uncover the…
Is Malawi on the right economic path?
Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera talks to Josey Mahachi about the need for Africa to get a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Chakwera defends his economic record, discusses SADC's peacekeeping mission in the volatile eastern DRC and Malawi's upcoming 2025 presidential elections.
Rwanda's bold move: Separating state and religion
During President Kagame's recent inauguration, religious prayers were notably absent, unlike previous ceremonies. His government has clashed with religious institutions, shutting down over 6,000 churches and 150 mosques for not meeting standards. Should other African nations follow Rwanda's lead in separating state and religion? Josey Mahachi talks to Dr Rev…
What can Ghana do to improve security in the north?
Security concerns are rising in Northern Ghana with increasing banditry and robberies. Recently, market women were robbed, and a pregnant woman was raped, according to locals. Land disputes have led to clashes. Some communities are mobilizing their own security due to the lack of police patrols. Josey Mahachi discusses this…
Mpox: Should Africans be worried?
The WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency, the highest level of alert for an infectious disease. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, can be dangerous for children, pregnant women and people with suppressed immune systems. Should Africa and the world be concerned about another potential pandemic? Josey Mahachi…
Why is the cease-fire in eastern Congo not holding?
Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues unabated, despite a cease-fire deal between the government and M23 rebels. Additionally, ADF rebels allied with so-called Islamic State are wreaking havoc, undeterred by the presence of SADC regional troops. Cai Nebe talks to political analyst Jack Kahorha in Goma, eastern Congo…
The 77 Percent — What do young people think about BBL
Nigeria’s renowned Nollywood actress Rita Edochie recently spoke out against Brazilian butt lifts (BBL), urging women to embrace their natural bodies. Why is the practice on the rise among young female Africans? DW's Sam Olukoya sat down with five young women in in Lagos, Nigeria to discuss the topic.
Kenya's Gen Z protests: The digital revolution
Discover how Kenya's Gen Z has been transforming the digital landscape through powerful online mobilization and offline protests. With TikTok leading the charge, young Kenyans are reshaping social media usage and internet accessibility. What opportunities and risks does this digital growth bring?
Is racism on the rise in Europe?
Adeline Abimnwi Awemo, a German politician was recently attacked and racially abused while campaigning. Awemo, originally from Cameroon, was putting up posters when a woman struck her in the neck and told her, "You are not humans." This incident happened amidst the rising influence of far-right parties and racism in…
What's it like for Africa's indigenous people?
Africa's indigenous peoples, including the Maasai of East Africa, the Tuareg of the Sahara, and the San of Southern Africa, face threats like vanishing languages, contested lands and marginalization. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Dr. Jacob Cloete, a Khoekhoe and San rights advocate, and DW correspondent Andrew Wasike in Kenya…
Are Africans safe in the UK amid anti-immigration riots?
Nigeria and Kenya have issued travel warnings amid far-right riots in the UK. Many Black people and people of color feel afraid amid the unrest, sparked by immigration policy changes. How safe is the UK for Africans? Cai Nebe talks to Kingsley Sheteh, founding member of Black Lives Matter UK,…
Is Kenya's Gen Z ready for leadership?
Young Kenyan protesters are still demanding change and the resignation of President Ruto. Have they thought about who else could lead the country? Or, are the so-called Gen Z activists themselves ready to do so? Cai Nebe talks to Khalid Hussein, Executive Director of Haki Africa, Gen Z activist Jim…